What the apostle proposed to do was to enlighten that ignorance by showing them who that true God was, and what was his character.

In his subsequent remarks, therefore, he does not teach them that there is one Supreme Being, but he _assumes_ it, as something already believed.

He assumes him to be the creator of all things; to be _omnipotent_,--"the Lord of heaven and earth"; _spiritual_,--"dwelleth not in temples made with hands"; _absolute_,--"not needing anything," but the source of all things.

He says this, as not expecting any opposition or contradiction; he reserves his criticisms on their idolatry for the end of his discourse.

He then states, quite clearly, that the different nations of the world have a common origin, belong to one family, and have been providentially placed in space and time, that each might seek the Lord in its own way.